As the cold season approaches, Russia has stepped up its attacks on Ukraine’s gas infrastructure in a clear attempt to weaken the country and put civilian life under more strain. Over the night of October 3, Russian forces launched their largest barrage yet against Ukraine’s natural gas facilities, firing 35 missiles along with about 60 drones.
Kyiv Post
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The Moscow Times
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Naftogaz
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Why target gas during heating season?
Gas is essential for heating homes, powering industry, and generating electricity. With winter coming, disrupting gas production or supply can leave many without warmth, light, or hot water. Analysts and Ukrainian officials say that these attacks are intended not just to damage infrastructure but to cause suffering among civilians.
Moneycontrol
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The Economic Times
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The Moscow Times
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Ukraine’s state gas company, Naftogaz, reported that critical gas extraction and processing facilities in Kharkiv and Poltava regions were hit hard.
The Economic Times
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Naftogaz
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The Moscow Times
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Some of the damage is described as “critical,” meaning repairs may be slow and expensive.
Naftogaz
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Moneycontrol
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Serhiy Koretskyi, the head of Naftogaz, condemned the attacks as “deliberate terror” against civilian infrastructure, saying they serve no military purpose but aim to deprive Ukrainians of warmth in winter.
The Economic Times
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Naftogaz
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Kyiv Post
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Consequences and responses
In Poltava, the attack injured an 8-year-old child and two women. Some homes and public buildings had windows shattered.
Moneycontrol
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The Economic Times
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Kyiv Post
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In addition, power cuts were reported across several regions, affecting electricity supply and complicating repairs.
The Moscow Times
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The Economic Times
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To cope, Ukraine is trying to import more gas from foreign sources and raise funds to fill its gas storage before winter fully sets in. For example, Naftogaz recently secured a €300 million loan to help cover winter gas needs.
Reuters
Still, imported gas is more expensive and may not reach all parts of the country quickly.

Ukraine has also launched retaliatory strikes using long-range drones, targeting Russian oil refineries and chemical plants deep inside Russian territory, as part of its strategy to pressure Moscow.
Naftogaz
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WTOP News
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The Moscow Times
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Larger pattern
This tactic is not new. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, energy and utility infrastructures have often been in the crosshairs—especially as winter nears. The aim appears to be to “weaponize” energy: turning cold months into a tool of war.
WTOP News
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Wikipedia
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Conclusion
Russia’s recent assault on Ukraine’s gas sector, timed at the start of the heating season, shows a strategic move to inflict hardship on civilians and strain Ukraine’s defenses. Ukraine faces a tough winter ahead: it must repair damage, import gas, and sustain public morale. The world is watching whether the strikes will achieve their grim goals — and whether Ukraine can stand firm.